Elevator cab panels



p 1963 s. M. POMEROY ETAL 3,103,708

ELEVATOR CAB PANELS 4 SheetsSheet 1 Filed May 22, 1959 ATTORNEYS P 1963 s. M. POMEROY ETAL 3,

ELEVATOR CAB PANELS Filed May 22, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 36 47 4o 41 @110 gm MU 1mm u pm mg um A IT k 42) 43 45 44 56 Fig.5 515 I\ VF 1' "T" 46 T- ,1? 40 M a l c. r; O c- 1 Q l I U G 6"? 47 0 'g m 7 50 INVENTORS JOHN TISHMAN SAWYER M. POMEROY BY ATTORNEYS Sept. 17, 1963 s. M. POMEROY ETAL ELEVATOR CAB PANELS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 22, 1959 V. 0 R S m E a m N N MJR E V 0 m 5 w TR A E 2! W H w ww M4 6 J F M 2 6 P 17, 1963 s. M. POMEROY ETAL 3,103,708

ELEVATOR CAB PANELS Filed May 22, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS. JOHN Tl SH MA N SAWYER M. POMEROY ATTORNEYS nite This application, relating as indicated to an elevator cab, is particularly directed to a novel type of elevator cab employing replaceable panels which may be taken out as desired, replaced or repaired, but it is not necessary to remove the elevator from its operating schedule.

In connection with modern elevator cabs in buildings it is important to keep the appearance of the cab in good condition and, as well, to have the elevators in operation at all times. Elevators represent a large proportion of the cost of modern buildings, and their useage particularly in automatic elevator operation is substantially continuous. Damage may occur to the panels and on occasion they must be repaired. To take an elevator out of use for a period of time while the panels are being removed laboriously and taken to a factory or a repair establishment and refinished is an expensive item, but primarily it interferes with operation of the business being conducted.

This invention relates to cab which would have re placeable panels of specified construction to fit in with the decorations and materials which may be modernized on occasion and which would be a fully serviceable unit within the elevator cab.

This invention further relates to an elevator cab construction having replaceable panels extending from the floor to the ceiling, spaced from one another and being provided with special facilities for escape hatches, lighting between the panels and ventilation between the panels and around the panels.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved elevator cab construction having replaceable panels therefor.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved elevator cab construction having replaceable panels therefor spaced from the cab wall and employing the vertical upright as support means for the panel to reduce the thickness of the wall of the elevator cab and to provide a wall shield in which ventilation and lighting may be provided.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved cab construction of the same or thinner dimensions than prior art cabs in which the cab is constructed or an outer wall, interior uprights or partitions which serve to secure a rigid replaceable panel, rigidly held and locked in place by means of suitable cooperating lug and socket means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved means for ventilating an elevator cab.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved means for providing concealed lighting in an elevator cab.

This application is a continuation-impart of abandoned application No. 618,842. filed October 29, 1956.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention then consists of the means herein- States Patent ice In the drawings:

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two complete elevator cabs and openings;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the replaceable panels and hook member;

FIG. 3 is a rear cut-away view of the hook member for the panel;

FIG. 4 is a modification of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a further modification through the wall of the elevator cab structure;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away elevational view of FIG. 5, showing the interior oi the cab with replaceable panels thereon;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of our new and improved invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary rear view along the line 99 of FIG. 8; 7

FIG. 10 is a bottom view along the line 1010 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an alternate modification of the bottom of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a further modification of the holding plate for the panel; and

FIG. 13 is a section of the hook and holding plate taken on line 13-43 of FIG. 12.

'In connection with the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an elevator doorway having a jamb 10, a soffit or header 11, a sill 12 and the cab proper shown at 18-. The adjoining elevator cab shown generally at 14 is of a dilferent interior design construction but employs the characteristics in this cab of replaceable panels which will be seen more clearly in the adjoining views. The cab has a floor portion 91, and overhead portion 92 joined by an interior wall '93. Of course, it will be appreciated that there is no reason why the elevators cannot be decorated difrferently, and that is one important subsidiary point in atter fully described and particularly pointed out in the connection with this invention. Normally in buildings all of the elevator cabs follow a general pattern of ornamentation and construction.

FIGS. 2 through 6 show the general construction of a replaceable panel. The replaceable panel member may be of any material such as wood, metal, a woven metal screen, a panel of leather or combinations of leather, metal with various types of ornamentation and even may include all of the normal construction materials such as plaster, plywood and even wall paper, possibly scenic in design, although other types may be used in connection with elevator cabs. The panel element is shown in cross section in FIG. 2 at 16. The panel itself is composed of wood in this view, although it could be all of the alternative materials previously mentioned, the Wood being shown at 17.

Fastened to the interior side of the panel would be a bracket or lug element 18, fastened as by means of screws 19 and 20. The bracket element may be positioned at various points having perhaps 4, 6, 8 or as many as 10 holding positions. The bracket may be fastened to a vertically disposed portion of the elevator cab such as a channel member stud, or a backing plate formed by the interior wall, as illustrated at 21. The particular selection will be governed by the construction of the interior of the cab. The bracket would have a hook-shaped member although other alternatives are possible. The hook projects substantially parallel to the bracket itself. The hook member is shown at 27. The backing plate 21 would have an aperture and the hookshaped member would be positioned to move into the aperture and slide down into the position shown in dotted lines at 23 and securely locked as by other means, not

3 shown, so that violent action would not dislodge the panels.

The panels would be positioned at various spacings relatively close together and surround the interior walls of the cab from the floor to the ceiling. Although the panels may be somewhat flexible, it is preferred that they be of rigid or semi-rigid non-porous structure. Of course, various types of woven metal materials. would have a limited amount of porosity so as to permit air to pass therethrough.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the lug element 27, the fastening means 19 and 20, the bracket itself 18 and the opening in the backing plate shown at 22.1 An alternate method of fastening the panels could be by means of a stiff spring element as shown particularly in connection with FIG. 4.

In the modification seen in FIG. 4 the panel element 30 is fastened to the interior partition or stud 33 by means of a bracket 31 mounted upon the rear surface of the panel by screw fastening means 32 or the like. The backing plate 33 has a member 34 fastened to the interior side as by welding, said member comprisinga backing plate 35, an extending arm portion 36 and a U-shaped element 37. The U-shaped elements supportthe rear of the panel and provide a hook over which the hook 31 may be positioned. The construction can be of any thickness or strength and can be relatively springy or resilient. Additional locking means to hold the panel in position are not shown.

FIG. shows a horizontal cross-sectional view through the elevator cab construction of this invention. A backing plate is shown at 40 having flanged channel members 41 fastened thereto by any suitable means. The web of the channel member faces the interior of the cab and has suitable openings 54 to receive lugs or hooks carried by the panels as was previously described. The hook elements and their fastening means may be seen at 42. They would be fastened through the web of the channel members. It is obvious that any suitable form of beam, angle member or the like may be used in lieu of the channel member so long as it may be adapted to receive the hooks carried by the panel or vice versa.

The panels would extend from one side as, for example, at 43 to the opposite side 44, and an adjoining panel would be in close position thereto, indicated at 45. The spacing between panels, i.e., the distance 44 to 45, can be of any width of provide a decorative motif between the panels. The lighting or other means, as, for example, a fluorescent light shown at 46, may be employed to illuminate the opening between the panels. Having the panels spaced in this manner with a painted or otherwise ornamented background to the interior side of the panel shown at 47 obviates the need for expensive trims or strips to cover the opening between the panels. In connection with this type panel, a car could be put in service in a new building and the panels kept off. The elevator cab would then be in the nature of a freight cab and would not be damaged by the rough handling of furniture and the like. All of the elevator cabs in new buildings must be used in connection with the initial movement into the building by the tenants and by the use of this type panel in an elevator cab, the cabs can be protected and kept in good condition. Before the movement of passengers into the cab, the panels wouldbe quickly. put in position and fastened. In the event that a repair is necessary in connection with passenger operated elevators, a single panelcan be removed and a replacement panel employed. In an effort to provide for good lighting between the panels and a finished cab appearance, the motif can be changed almost at will without taking the elevator out of use.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of FIG. 5 with the side of an elevator cab showing one or more of the panels 50 and 51, having means for attachment to the beam 41. An escape hatch 90 is shown in dotted lines behind the panel 51. Ventilating openings are shown at 55, and these may be spaced at varying intervals either adjacent the ground or throughout the inside panel wall. The opening between the panels, shown at 56, would provide for ventilation into the cab. Fluorescent lighting fixtures shown at 46 may be positioned between two panels and will illuminate a section of the panels to provide for a relatively low level of illumination and obviate the necessity for trim or a strip to cover the junction of the two panels.

Consequently, it will be seen from the foregoing that an elevator cab construction has been provided which is of reduced wall thickness with respect to prior art models, to provide for increased carrying capacity and room inthe elevator. In this construction an outer wall member 40 has strengthening or angle elements or studding, as, for example, at 41, which are interior of the walls and, therefore, the thickness of the replaceable panel in fastening to these elements would not increase the total depth of the wall. This construction provides for an increased savings in cabs, makes the units replaceable, provides a convenient manner to illuminate, and ventilate the cab and provides a better construction in the elevator.

In FIG. 7 there is shown an elevator cab 16 with the panel cutaway, one panel being shown at in this View.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of this panel with the panel framing member being seen at 61 and having a stepped rear portion 62, a screw and plate construction 63 having a screw 64 and a plate member 65 to 'hold the panel material indicated at 66 firmly against the front edge 67 of the molding. The hook means is generally indicated at 69 having a hook poi-tion 70 fastened as by means of screw fasteners 71 to the panel. The hook 70 projects through a key hole 78 in the backing plate 77.

In correction with these panels, caution should be exercised so that they may not be removed in proctice except by maintenance people and, therefore, a hold down device is provided and indicated at 72, consisting of a thumb screw 73 having a threaded section 74 and a bracket indicated at 75 fastened as by means of bolts as at 76 to the backing plate 77. Adjustments may be provided in the apertures to the angle support at 79.

By threading the thumb screw 73 and the threaded portion or section 74 into the lower end of the molding, the panel may be securely held in position so that it cannot be removed.

A further modification of this view is shown in connection with FIG. 11 where an Allen head screw is shown at 80 having a threaded section 81 adapted to fit into the molding 61. A washer or other means shown at 82 between the head of the Allen head screw and the support hold down bracket is indicated at 83.

FIG. 12 shows the key hole plate member indicated generally at 84 having a key hole 85 with an enlarged section 86 and having fastener openings as at 87 to secure it to a plate. The plate and hook member modification of FIG. 8 is shown in connection with FIG. 13, the hook being designated at 69 having a hook portion proper 70. The panel may be secured as by means of this hook through the key hole plate to the wall of the cab.

It is important to note in connection with this inven tion that these elevaor cabs are constantly subjected to vertical motion accompanied by a lateral component of force but must give the passengers a feeling of security and comfort while still being lightweight as possible. These cabs are constantly subjected also to maintenance and renewal, and these elevator cab panels provide such a combination. They are of sturdy construction but lightweight. The panels may be moved in a vertical direction with a lateral component of force and will not jump off the hooks, but at the same time they are readily removable by one who knows the way in which the removal of the panels is accomplished. It is important that convenient fastening devices be provided for simple maintenance.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with a few preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications may be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles of the invention. All of these variations and modifications are considered to be within the true spirit and scope of the present invention as disclosed in the foregoing description and defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. *In combination with an elevator cab having a floor portion, overhead portion and interior wall portion, said interior wall portion forming a backing plate, a plurality of spaced lug receiving sockets on said backing plate, a plurality of readily removable panels on said interior wall extending from adjacent the floor portion to the vicinity of the ceiling portion, each of said panels having lug means on the rear surface thereof at spaced intervals to correspond with said lug receiving sockets on said backing plate, each of said lug means being received in an associated socket, each of said panels having the lug means thereon held in the (associated socket by a readily releasable hold down means, said hold down means securing the associated panel against movement in a direction to disengage said lug means from said socket.

2. The elevator cab of claim 1, wherein each of said hold down means includes a bracket fixedly attached to said backing plate and threaded means carried by each of said panels engaging said 'bracket to pull said lug means downwardly in said sockets.

'3. In combination with an elevator cab having a floor portion, overhead portion and interior wall portion, a panel mounted on said interior wall, structure for mounting and securing said panel inspaced relation to said Wall, said panel extending from adjacent said floor portion to the vicinity of said ceiling portion, said structure comprising lug means having a portion secured to the rear of said panel and projecting away from said panel to form a hook, a socket in said wall to receive said hook, said hook being freely projectable into said socket and movable in a direction to engage a portion of said socket, and lockingmeans operable to secure said panel against movement in a direction opposite that required to engage said hook in said socket.

4. The elevator cab of claim 3 wherein ventilation openings are provided between the backing plate and said panel to allow the ingress and egress of air, said panel serving to diffuse said air about the edges thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 352,384 Whitney Nov. 9, 1886 1,980,900 Bemis Nov. 13,1934 2,033,100 Kellog Mar. 3, 1936 2,511,764 Baxter June 13, 1950 2,628,388 Poth Feb. 17, 1953 2,676,678 Jacobson Apr. 27, 1954 2,833,001 Montifalco May 6. 1958 

3. IN COMBINATION WITH AN ELEVATOR CAB HAVING A FLOOR PORTION, OVERHEAD PORTION AND INTERIOR WALL PORTION, A PANEL MOUNTED ON SAID INTERIOR WALL, STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING AND SECURING SAID PANEL IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID WALL, SAID PANEL EXTENDING FROM ADJACENT SAID FLOOR PORTION TO THE VICINITY OF SAID CEILING PORTION, SAID STRUCTURE COMPRISING LUG MEANS HAVING A PORTION SECURED TO THE REAR OF SAID PANEL AND PROJECTING AWAY FROM SAID PANEL TO 